Groton’s Cost For The Probate Primary: $24,000 For 1,156 Votes

There was a reaction after the votes for the judge of probate were tallied in Groton that had nothing to do with who won.

Rather, it was a recognition of the expense of the election: $24,000 for a primary in which 1,156 people voted.

Groton, like Stonington, North Stonington and Ledyard, was required to hold the primary in June by the state.

“I think the four towns should have refused,” said Stephen Massett, Groton’s Republican registrar. He said the communities should have insisted on having an interim judge serve until the town election in November.

“In this economy, we should be doing what’s best for everybody,” said Dana Parfitt, deputy Republican registrar.

“They have so many mandates,” Election Moderator Kristen Venditti said of the state.  “Then they wonder why we don’t have any money, and why our unemployment is so high.”

An election typically costs Groton $25,000 to $30,000, said Town Clerk Betsy Moukawsher. The primary is estimated conservatively at $24,000.

The Town Council wanted to wait until November, but the decision was up to the secretary of state's office. Probate Court Administrator Paul J. Knierim sent a letter asking that a special election be held as soon as possible to find a replacement for Frederick Palm, judge of the Southeastern Connecticut Regional Probate Court. Palm, who served as a probate judge in the Groton district for 24 years, died on March 16.

David Rose, Groton’s Democratic registrar, said the town has not had an election in June that he can recall. He said turnout may have been low because it’s summer and people are on vacation, but he also didn’t see much campaigning.

In some districts, turnout was particularly poor.  In district four, which covers Military Highway, Grove Avenue and Walker Hill, 31 voters cast ballots; 14 for Democrats and 17 for Republicans.

In district 0ne, which covers the Poquonnock Bridge area, neighborhoods near the library and Grasso Gardens, 49 people voted.

Stonington’s Nicholas Kepple won the primary for the Democrats and Pawcatuck’s Eric Janney won the primary for the Republicans after votes were totaled from the four towns. The two will face each other in a special election on August 16  for the regional judge of probate.